Housing Counselor

The City of Wilmington Community Development and Housing section works to build stronger and more resilient communities. To this end, the City allocates federal and local funds to support a variety of programs to benefit low-to-moderate individuals and communities. The City’s Community Development programs focus on safe, decent, and affordable housing as a catalyst for community stability and revitalization. The Housing Program Analyst (Housing Counselor) assists individuals and families by providing information and guidance on the home buying process and other housing options. The Housing Counselor establishes contact and develops a positive rapport with clients seeking education regarding home ownership and other housing opportunities. The Housing Counselor provides financial counseling/education to individuals and families and works with them to create a Housing Action Plan. Housing Counselor must be, or become, Certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

• Interact with Mortgage Service representatives, realtors, landlords, and other relevant parties for clients to obtain the best mortgage products and resources available for home buyers; and
• Analyze loan risks and request additional information from the lender as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with City of Wilmington Program Policy and Guidelines.
• Follow all state and federal lending laws with respect to fair lending and privacy laws.
• Deliver services by interviewing, analyzing and investigating client’s financial situation in relation to available options;
• Assure timely follow-up of clients and adhere to policies and procedures relating to client file maintenance and documentation;
• When requested, provide educational presentations to interested groups and individuals;
• Assist in marketing of the housing counseling program services;
• Maintain intake system daily, monitor/track file system and prepare correspondence as requested;
• Utilize client management system to enter and update data in a timely manner; Enter data and update information as necessary to bring and keep the database(s) current; report statistical data to partners, management, funding sources, etc.;
• Provide information and referral on housing options and loan resources;
• Maintain professional competency by participating in continued education, workshops, webinars, seminars and personal growth experiences; Keep up to date on trends and information related to housing;
• Meet regularly with supervisor to discuss customer case needs, workload issues, shares concerns or suggestions for changes/new programs, etc.;
• Ensure confidentiality of information related to clients and other information of a confidential nature;
• Perform other tasks as may be assigned by the Senior Community Development Analyst.
  
  

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, business administration, public administration, real estate or related studies and two (2) years’ experience in related job.

OR

Associates degree and four (4) years’ experience as credit counselor or housing counselor, or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.

Other Requirements

• Valid driver's license
• Must be Certified Housing Counselor or be willing to obtain the certification within six months of employment.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office – Excel, Word, PowerPoint, experience with loan origination software, experience with housing counseling software, experience with Salesforce.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently.

Working Conditions

Office environment, with some off-site community meetings and workshops.